Co-injection molded dispensing components method

Abstract

A present application relates to a dispensing component for use with an urn liner. The dispensing component includes a spout formed of a polyethylene material and a flexible tube formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material. The spout and tube are formed together as a single component in a mold by co-injection of the polyethylene material and the thermoplastic elastomer material.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for assembling a liner for a beverage urn, comprising:
 providing a plastic bag; 
 providing a dispensing component that includes a spout formed of a polyethylene material and a flexible tube formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material, wherein the spout and tube are formed together as a single interconnected component in a mold by co-injection of the polyethylene material and the thermoplastic elastomer material such that the spout includes a protrusion that is retained within a cavity formed in the tube; 
 cutting a hole in the plastic bag; 
 inserting the dispensing component into the hole; and 
 heat sealing the plastic bag to the spout. 
 
     
     
       2. A method for assembling a liner for a beverage urn, comprising:
 providing a plastic bag; 
 providing a spout made of polyethylene; 
 providing a dispensing component that includes a spout adapter formed of polyethylene and a flexible tube formed of thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the spout adapter and tube are formed together as a single component in a mold by co-injection of the polyethylene and the thermoplastic elastomer such that the spout adapter includes a protrusion that is retained within a cavity formed in the tube; 
 cutting a hole in the plastic bag; 
 inserting the spout into the hole; 
 heat sealing the plastic bag to the spout; and 
 connecting the adapter to the spout. 
 
     
     
       3. A method for assembling a liner for a beverage urn, comprising:
 providing a plastic bag; 
 providing a dispensing component that includes a spout formed of a polyethylene material and a flexible tube formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material, wherein the spout and tube are formed together as a single interconnected component in a mold by co-injection of the polyethylene material and the thermoplastic elastomer material such that the tube includes a protrusion that is retained within a cavity formed in the spout; 
 cutting a hole in the plastic bag; 
 inserting the dispensing component into the hole; and 
 heat sealing the plastic bag to the spout. 
 
     
     
       4. A method for assembling a liner for a beverage urn, comprising:
 providing a plastic bag; 
 providing a spout made of polyethylene; 
 providing a dispensing component that includes a spout adapter formed of polyethylene and a flexible tube formed of thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the spout adapter and tube are formed together as a single component in a mold by co-injection of the polyethylene and the thermoplastic elastomer such that the tube includes a protrusion that is retained within a cavity formed in the spout adapter; 
 cutting a hole in the plastic bag; 
 inserting the spout into the hole; 
 heat sealing the plastic bag to the spout; and 
 connecting the adapter to the spout.